Writing the article:
Title: Contesting elections in the DRC: Demonstration repressed in Kinshasa
Introduction :
In Kinshasa, protests have not weakened following the presidential elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The demonstration organized by Martin Fayulu and other candidates was violently repressed by the Congolese police. In a context of political tensions, these events demonstrate the opposition’s dissatisfaction with the conduct of the elections and the proclamation of the results.
Violent clashes:
The march organized by Martin Fayulu and his supporters was quickly suppressed by the Congolese national police (PNC). Scuffles broke out near the People’s Palace, where demonstrators had planned to gather. The massive presence of law enforcement prevented the demonstration from taking place peacefully.
The coalition between the police and activists of the “Force du Progrès”, close to the UDPS, was denounced by Martin Fayulu. According to him, this calls into question the rule of law in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the freedom to demonstrate. Despite the ban on the demonstration, the presidential candidate says he will continue to call for the elections to be canceled.
Contesting election results:
Martin Fayulu also contests the results of the presidential election. According to him, the figures published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) do not reflect the reality of the electoral campaign. He accuses the authorities of having manipulated the ballot boxes and questions the validity of the declared results.
The candidate maintains that in no commune in Kinshasa, Félix Tshisekedi could have obtained 80% of the votes. He questions the figures presented by CENI and considers that the observation mission of CENCO-ECC, responsible for parallel tabulation, is also compromised.
Maintaining the protest:
Despite the repression and the contestation of the electoral results, Martin Fayulu remains determined to continue his fight. In particular, he calls for the departure of the president of the CENI, accused of financial embezzlement. For him, these elections are a sham and he will continue to demand their cancellation.
Conclusion :
The contestation of the presidential elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo does not weaken. The repressed demonstrations in Kinshasa demonstrate the opposition’s dissatisfaction with the conduct of the elections and the announcement of the results. Martin Fayulu, presidential candidate, continues to call for the cancellation of the elections and denounces the irregularities which marred the electoral process. The political situation in the DRC remains tense, and it is essential to follow the evolution of this protest.